metropolitan college academic courses graduate courses arts administration

Arts Administration Graduate Courses

MET AR 550 Raising Funds and Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations

An introductory course that will examine ways to raise funds from government, foundation, corporate, and individual sources. The following topics will be addressed through lectures and case analysis: the history of philanthropy, the planning and research process, proposal and grant preparation, program evaluation, and the role of the board and staff in developing effective fundraising strategies. (4 cr.)

MET AH 588 Arts of Cuba (offered in Cuba)

A survey of the visual arts in Cuba from the early 20th century to the present, with an emphasis on contemporary art and an examination of the role of the artist in Cuban society. Work will be discussed in its historical, social, economic, and cultural context. We will visit artists’ studios, talk with Cuban artists and arts administrators, visit Havana’s important museums and arts organizations. (4 cr.)

MET AR 650 Writing for the Arts

Arts professionals straddle two worlds, the world of the artist and the world of the manager. As artists, their job entails challenging the world; as managers, they must accommodate it. The course gives students the opportunity to develop written materials such as cover letters, resumes, fundraising appeals, press releases, and exhibition and performance notes. Regular writing and critique assignments in a workshop format. (4 cr.)

MET AR 690 The Art World

An examination of the arts institutions, issues, and forces that shape the contemporary art world. Topics include government cultural policy, National Endowment for the Arts, museums, economic impact of the arts, symphonies, curators, critics, artists' rights, public art, corporate support, censorship, feminism, and multiculturalism. Usually taken as a first course. Stamped approval for non-Arts Admininstration students. (4 cr.)

MET AR 700 Leadership and Career Development for Arts Administrators

This course will cover both the theory and practice of effective leadership and career development in the arts. Topics will include negotiation and presentation skills, decision-making, consensus building, management styles, self-assessments, mock interviews, resume and cover letter strategies, and networking skills. Assignments will include experiential exercises, case studies, interviewing of leaders, public speaking, resume, cover letter, and mock interviews. The course includes an experiential learning weekend at Boston University's Sargent Center, a full-service conference and education center in the nearby Monadnock region of New Hampshire. The weekend is a key component to the course that will allow students to experience real-life leadership and organizational dynamics, to make case studies come to life, and to get feedback and a chance to put leadership issues and personal goals into perspective. (4 cr.)

MET AR 711 Capital Campaigns

This course is designed to broaden the student’s understanding of capital campaign fundraising. Topics include: feasibility studies; strategic planning and budgeting; private and public phases; ethical responsibilities; staff, donor, volunteer, board, and trustee management; major gift solicitation; campaign communications; trend analysis; and evaluation. The course curriculum will include readings, case studies, guest speakers, and analysis of current capital campaign projects. Stamped approval for non-Arts Admininstration students. (4 cr.)

MET AR 720 Marketing & Audience Development for the Arts.

Prereq: MET AR 690. This course is designed to provide fundamental background in the theory and principles of arts marketing and audience development used by nonprofit performing and visual arts organizations. Case analysis will be employed to review strategies and practices currently used in the cultural sector. Students will acquire the ability to develop a marketing plan for an arts organization. (4 cr.)

MET AR 722 Education in Cultural Institutions

Course will review the history, theory, and practice of educational programming and outreach in both museums and performing arts organizations. Emphasis will be on analysis of program design, implementation, and evaluation; teacher training and youth programs. (4 cr.)

MET AR 723 Individual Fundraising

This course will address the full range of issues related to attracting financial support from individuals. Topics will include: raising dollars annually for operations, raising funds through special events, cultivating and soliciting major gifts, and the basics of bequests and estate planning as well as ethical issues and working effectively with donors and volunteers. Coursework will include readings, case studies, and guest speakers. (4 cr.)

MET AR 730 Political & Public Advocacy for the Arts

Political and Public Advocacy for the Arts will address the politics of arts and culture through seminars with political and cultural leaders, class discussion, readings, and research. Students will develop advocacy campaign plans and analyze how cultural organizations interact with all levels of government. (4 cr.)

MET AR 740 Arts and the Internet

Explores topics relating to cultural institutions, the Internet, and digital technology. Special attention is given to critical examination of the virtual museum, performing arts organizations and website development, strategies, design, and tools. (4 cr.)

MET AR 750 Financial Management for Nonprofits

Prereq: MET AC 630 or accounting equivalent. Analyzes issues of accounting, finance, and economics in the context of the not-for-profit organization. Stresses understanding financial statements, budget planning and control, cash flow analysis, and long-term planning. (4 cr.)

MET AR 766 Arts and the Community

An analysis of issues that involve the engagement of cultural institutions with their immediate community. Includes examination of local arts centers, local arts councils, arts service organizations, agency/government relations, urban issues, multiculturalism, and festivals. (4 cr.)

MET AR 771 Managing Performing Arts Organizations

Prereq: MET AR 690. A review of topics essential for successful management of performing arts organizations. Examination of both facilities management and company management. Studies include organizational structure, trustee/staff relations, marketing, audience building, fundraising, tour management, box office management, budgeting, mailing list and membership management, human resource management and contract negotiation, performance measurement, and strategic planning. (4 cr.)

MET AR 774 Managing Visual Arts Organizations

Prereq: MET AR 690. Emphasizes museums, but also includes a review of alternative spaces, commercial galleries, and auction houses. Topics include the changing role of the museum, exhibition planning, fundraising, crisis management, audience development, and strategic planning. (4 cr.)

MET AR 777 Comparative Cultural Policy and Administration

Prereq: MET AR 690. Drawing on the resources of Boston University and Goldsmiths College, University of London, this course examines the nature of cultural policy in the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union from 1950 to the present. Through lectures and readings drawn from public policy, economics, and law, this course will discuss the impact of cultural and national differences on the cultural policy decision-making process. (4 cr.)

MET AR 778 Legal Issues in Arts Administration

Analysis of legal implications of managing an arts institution. Topics include nonprofits and tax-exempt structure, contracts, copyright for performing and visual artists, artists' moral rights legislation, royalties and artists' economic rights, international movement of art (duties and immigration restrictions) and artists, nonprofit incorporation, and tax-exempt status for organizations. (4 cr.)

MET AR 779 Public Art Program Administration

An overview of public art programs in the United States and of related management issues. Includes government-sponsored funds for art and other funding systems; and working with federal, state, and local governments; artists, architects, and community groups in artist selection, site preparation, and long-term maintenance. (4 cr.)

MET AR 781 Special Topics: Public Relations for the Arts and Entertainment Industries

This course is designed to give students the practical skills required to practice arts/entertainment public relations such as building press kits, pitching feature stories, and the definition of “diva-time,” as well as a more fundamental understanding of the role public relations plays in the cultural industries. Using real-life examples and case studies, the course will cover such topics as how to get your show reviewed, dealing with bad reviews, and why the World Series can impact the box office at the ballet. (4 cr.)

MET AR 802 & 803 Internship in Arts Administration

Two consecutive two-credit courses for planning (AR 802) and fieldwork (AR 803) phases of the internship. Students may not register for MET AR 803, or begin their actual internship until they have completed a minimum of six of the ten required courses. Arts Administration degree students only. (2 cr. each course)

MET AR 804 Advanced Management and Consulting for Arts Organizations

Prereq: a minimum of six courses must be completed to enroll; written approval from advisor is also required. This course improves students' ability to analyze and solve problems that confront arts organizations. Students will apply financial, marketing, fundraising, and legal knowledge and techniques to (1) in-class discussion of key management issues of concern to senior leadership, and (2) a semester-long consulting project which partners a team of students with a local arts organization. (4 cr.)